Interactive exhibit and signature moonshine line give visitors a taste of Appalachian history in Pigeon Forge.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Visitors to Pigeon Forge can experience a piece of Appalachian history while sampling locally made moonshine, thanks to a partnership between the Hatfield family, the Moonshine Depot and East Tennessee Distillery.
Jack Hatfield, a descendant of the famous Hatfield family, says the goal is to preserve his family’s history while sharing the true story behind one of America’s most well-known feuds.
“The goal is preserving all the family’s history,” Hatfield said. “One of the biggest things the family is known for is moonshine.”
The Moonshine Depot, located at 153 Wears Valley Road in The Shops of Pigeon Forge, carries the Hatfield family’s signature moonshine line, produced by East Tennessee Distillery. The collection includes “Tug Fork Fire,” a 100-proof white lightning named after the Tug Fork River, where much of the Hatfield-McCoy feud unfolded, along with “Devil Fire,” a cinnamon moonshine, and a blackberry flavor inspired by Randall McCoy, who lived along Blackberry Creek.
Hatfield said the products celebrate Appalachian heritage while helping tell a more complete story about the two families.
“Our family made its money in timber, logging and moonshining,” Hatfield said. “The McCoys were entrepreneurial as well. The families were friends for years, intermarried, did business together and everything for many years before—and even after—the feud.”
Hatfield said many visitors are surprised to learn the feud represented only a small chapter in the families’ shared history.
Just minutes away, visitors can continue learning at the Hatfield & McCoy Experience at 107 Old Mill Ave.
The interactive attraction allows guests to scan a QR code with their smartphone and follow a narrated timeline of the infamous feud while exploring authentic family artifacts. Visitors can also participate in scavenger hunts and interactive activities designed to help them better understand the people behind the legendary story.
“You’ll be able to go through the timeline of the feud while seeing artifacts from the family,” Hatfield said. “We’ve also included scavenger hunt questions and opportunities to ‘think like a Hatfield’ or ‘think like a McCoy’ as you explore.”
Hatfield said the experience is designed to move beyond the folklore surrounding the feud and highlight the history, relationships and culture that shaped the Appalachian families for generations.
Together, the Moonshine Depot and the Hatfield & McCoy Experience offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore an iconic piece of American history while enjoying one of East Tennessee’s most recognizable traditions.
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